Dubai to host PFL MENA 2026 season opener

DUBAI: The Professional Fighters League has announced that PFL MENA: Pride of Arabia, the season opener, will take place on May 24 at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

The event will feature athletes representing 11 nations across the region, highlighting the depth and unity of mixed martial arts in the Middle East and North Africa.

Headlining the event, the UAE’s Mohammad “The UAE Warrior” Yahya (12-6) makes his PFL debut against Tunisia’s Mehdi Saadi (6-2) in a featherweight quarterfinal bout.

Yahya enters as one of the region’s most established fighters and returns to compete on home soil. Saadi brings a balanced skill set and momentum into the matchup.

In the co-main event, Morocco’s Salah “Supersalah” Eddine Hamli (11-0) faces Algeria’s Ylies “Broly” Djiroun (24-9) in a lightweight bout. Hamli enters the tournament following a dominant championship run last season.

Djiroun, meanwhile, brings veteran experience and a well-rounded skill set, having competed across multiple international promotions.

The card will also feature the highly anticipated debut of rising Emirati MMA star Zamzam Al-Hammadi, 18, who signed with PFL MENA last year, bringing with her championships in MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

“Dubai is a key market for PFL MENA and a global hub for sport and entertainment, making it the ideal stage for our 2026 season opener, aptly titled ‘Pride of Arabia,’” said Jerome Mazet, general manager of PFL MENA.

“Dubai has consistently shown its passion for MMA, and we are excited to bring local stars like Mohammad Yahya and Zamzam Al-Hammadi to perform in front of a home crowd.

“As the beating heart of sport and entertainment in the Arab world, Dubai offers a truly unique atmosphere, with athletes representing